They call it the world’s greatest department store and you’ll find it right in the heart of London.
Harrod’s has been around since 1849 and in its long history has sold practically everything - including airplanes and elephants once upon a time. It has been around for over 150 years, but today it is a modern as modern London can get. If you are an avid consumer, you will find Harrod’s to be a haven for luxury shopping.
Charles Henry Harrod started his working life and business as a wholesale grocer. His son Charles Digby rapidly grew the Harrod’s business and by 1880 they had 100 employees.
Harrod’s has withstood the tests of its long existence. Even when it was hit by a devastating fire in 1883, all their Christmas deliveries were made on time. ‘Everything to Everybody Everywhere’ is their credo. They have lived up to it - from flying fresh fish to Alfred Hitchcock, to embalming Sigmund Freud’s body.
Yes, Harrod’s has even housed a funeral service and lending library amidst all the merchandise for sale. Today, inventory is even more vast. The iconic London store was further expanded when the Fayed family acquired the House of Fraser Group which owned Harrod’s. This cost the Fayeds £615 million ($1.1 billion) in 1985. Another £300 million was invested to refurbish the new Harrod’s as we know it today.
The place is not just for ultimate shopping. Just a visit is an experience in itself. On a given day you may find opera singers performing at the top of the Egyptian Escalators or a future star serving at one of the counters. Pierce Brosnan once worked in the Pharmacy and the original Darth Vader was a fitness consultant in the sports department.
Here, your in-store ‘assistant’ can get you theater tickets while you have a facial in the salon or relax at the Irish spa. When you’re done, visit Donatella Versace discussing her new perfume.
For some serious shopping there are 4.5 acres of… well, everything. Cheese lover? There are over 300 gourmet varieties for sale here. Italian ’suckao’ is available at The Chocolate Bar. For £250,000 ($442,000) you can have your own custom-made Madame Tussaud waxwork. The 24-karat gold Lindt bunny will cost you less at £20,000 ($35,000).
Of course, if all you plan to buy are some designer clothes, accessories or the usual store finds, Harrod’s has those too. But while you’re browsing take the chance to sip some cool water from one of the under-the-site artesian wells or take a close look at the extraordinary chandeliers and original art deco architectural details. Be ready to go through the crowds of shoppers and visitors from all over the world.
Harrods is easily accessible via the tube (the London Underground subway system). Exit at the Knightsbridge station.
Other related tours in London:
Take a guide tour of St Paul’s Cathedral with a special visit to the Whispering Gallery. Next, take off to Harrods for a delicious cream tea and shopping. There’s no better way to spend an afternoon in London!
From a private tour of the Tower of London to afternoon tea at Harrods, you’ll see everything London has to offer on this attraction-packed full-day excursion. Perfect if you’re spending only a short time in London, this tour give you a comprehensive overview of London’s wealth of famous sights.
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